从前慢

Slower Days in the Past

作：木心，译：永清

记得早先少年时

大家诚诚恳恳

说一句是一句

Remember young days in the past.

People were sincere and honest.

They honored what they said.

清早上火车站

长街黑暗无行人

卖豆浆的小店冒着热气

Early morning in the railway station.

Long, dark and empty was the street.

The soybean milk diner was steaming with heat.

从前的日色变得慢

车，马，邮件都慢

一生只够爱一个人

Days were slower in the past.

Carriage, horse, and mail did not reach fast.

You need your lifetime to just love the person who is right.

从前的锁也好看

钥匙精美有样子

你锁了，人家就懂了

The lock was fine in the past.

The key was exquisite and fit.

You lock and he will get it.